Ezhumanthuruthu Poonkavil Devi Temple

Poonkavil Sri.Balabhadra temple is one of the rarest temples of the deity Sri.Bala Bhadra. It is situated in a village called Ezhumanthuruthu in Kaduthuruthy Grama Panchayat, Kottayam District, Kerala State in India.

History and Legend

During the 17th century Tippu Sultan invaded North Kerala. Many people, mainly Brahmins fearing religious persecution, escaped from North Malabar region and came over and settled in parts of central Travancore. One such family settled in Ezhumanthuruthu. It is believed that along with them a goddess in the form of a baby, called Devi BalaBhadra, accompanied unbeknownst to them. During the "99" flood, which affected areas all over Kerala, one great personality, popularly known as "Mundar Velu", noticed the presence of Devi in Poonkav. He immediately called the Tantriks, confirmed the presence of Devi, and started constructing the temple.

Location

From Kottayam: Kottayam -Ezhumanthuruthu Bus, get down at Ezhumanthuruthu central Jn. then 5 minutes walk towards south to reach the temple. From Kaduthuruthy: Kaduthuruthy-Ayamkudy-Ezhumanthuruthu.8 km. From Thalayolaparambu: Bus service is available. Or can get auto rikshaw to reach 5km route.